Jan. 5, 2005

Concerns

I too have thought about leaving the Laboratory due to the recent turmoil. Then I realized that I had forgotten why I came to the Lab. I am not here for the benefits, for good parking or a decent cafeteria. I am not here for the pay or so my projects can be funded and recognized. I am here, as is the institution itself, to protect the interests of the national security of this great country.

All of the problems we have experienced (knocks from the media, lost CREM, business problems, attrition, accidents) are simply more attacks on our ability to defend the security of this country. The difficult nature of these attacks is that they are often from within and rather than recognizing them as such, we are seeing them as a degredation of benefits to us. If, for example, we were experiencing terrorist or other external attacks on our purpose would we retreat? Or turn and fight?

The Lab is currently under attack from many sides, but luckily it has an army 10,000 strong to defend it. If this is an army of deserters and saboteurs then we are truly lost.

I for one plan to stay and respond to every attack as best I can.

--Anthony Clark